By A Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sparked controversy after commissioning the Harvest House International Church and Conference Centre in Bulawayo. Many view Mnangagwa’s hands as “dripping with blood” due to his complex and tumultuous past, raising questions about his suitability to officiate at the church’s opening.

Mnangagwa’s involvement in the ceremony has been met with skepticism, given his history of human rights abuses and suppression of opposition. His presidency has been marked by a crackdown on dissent, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties.

Despite this, Mnangagwa expressed pride in opening the church, stating, “I was honoured to officially open the Harvest House International Church and Conference Centre in Bulawayo. This facility is a milestone for the church and enhances Zimbabwe’s ability to host international conferences. May this centre serve as a beacon of faith, unity, and progress for our nation and beyond.”

Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s presence at the ceremony undermines the church’s values and message. They point to his role in the Gukurahundi massacres, which claimed thousands of lives, and his involvement in suppressing opposition during his tenure as Vice President under Robert Mugabe.

The controversy surrounding Mnangagwa’s commissioning of the Harvest House Church highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between politics and religion in Zimbabwe. As the country navigates its turbulent past and uncertain future, the intersection of faith and politics remains a contentious issue.